Preview of FFXIV Patch 3.1: “As Goes Light, So Goes Darkness”

During the recent Tokyo Game Show broadcast, producer Naoki Yoshida and global community producer Toshio ‘Foxclon’ Murouchi unveiled comprehensive details about the forthcoming FFXIV Patch 3.1. This substantial content update represents the first major expansion since Heavensward’s debut on June 23rd, bringing significant additions that will reshape the endgame landscape.

Titled ‘As Goes Light, So Goes Darkness,’ this November release continues narrative threads established in the 3.0 storyline conclusion. The patch’s philosophical name directly references the moral complexities and faction dynamics players witnessed during the Heavensward climax, suggesting deeper exploration of Eorzea’s ongoing conflicts.

l New Main Scenario Quest and Side Quest Line

The update introduces a fresh chapter in the primary narrative arc, advancing the ongoing saga following the Heavensward conclusion. Additionally, the Saint Endalim Scholasticate side quests provide entirely new storytelling avenues, immersing players in Ishgardian academic intrigue within a prestigious educational setting. The Vanu Vanu beast tribe quests expand upon the established tribal alliance system, offering unique cultural insights and rewarding gameplay loops.

For optimal progression through these new narrative elements, consult our Class Guide to ensure your character build aligns with content requirements. New players should anticipate approximately 4-6 hours to complete the main scenario additions, while seasoned adventurers may finish in 2-3 hours depending on playstyle.

Two challenging new dungeons await exploration: Saint Mocianne Arboretum presents a botanical research facility overrun by corrupted flora, while Pharos Sirius Hard Mode revisits the lighthouse with dramatically increased difficulty and new mechanics. Both instances feature unique boss encounters that will test party coordination and individual skill execution.

The new 24-player alliance raid continues the Crystal Tower tradition with massive-scale encounters requiring strategic coordination. Composition follows the World of Darkness template: one tank, two healers, and five DPS per party, totaling three full parties working in concert to overcome formidable adversaries.

Common mistakes include underestimating environmental hazards in Saint Mocianne Arboretum and failing to coordinate tank swaps during Pharos Sirius’s final boss phase. Successful groups typically complete these dungeons within 25-40 minutes during initial learning phases.

A sophisticated new weapon enhancement system emerges as an alternative to the established relic weapon progression. This parallel upgrade path offers distinct visual designs and statistical distributions, providing players with meaningful choices in their character development strategy.

The visually impressive new armaments feature intricate detailing and particle effects that surpass previous weapon models. Progression through this system involves multiple stages of acquisition, enhancement, and customization, similar to but distinct from the Zodiac Weapon questline mechanics.

For comprehensive guidance on optimizing your weapon progression, our Weapons Unlock resource provides detailed strategies. Advanced players can expect to invest 15-20 hours to fully upgrade their weapons through this new system.

l New Beast Tribe Daily Quest

Completing the Vanu Vanu daily quests rewards players with an exclusive flying mount, providing both practical transportation and prestigious display of dedication. These quests typically require 15-30 minutes daily to complete, with the mount unlock achievable after approximately three weeks of consistent participation.

l New Manderville Gold Saucer

The Manderville Gold Saucer receives substantial additions, including new mini-games, challenges, and reward structures. These diversions offer valuable breaks from intense raiding and questing while providing unique cosmetic items and currency opportunities.

For players seeking to maximize their overall FFXIV experience, our Complete Guide integrates these new systems into broader gameplay strategies. Optimization tips include scheduling beast tribe dailies alongside Gold Saucer challenges for efficient MGP accumulation.

No reproduction without permission：OnLineGames Guides » Preview of FFXIV Patch 3.1: “As Goes Light, So Goes Darkness” Complete guide to FFXIV Patch 3.1 with new quests, dungeons, raids, and weapon systems